Why Honeybees Vote on Where to Build Their New Home (And It’s More Democratic Than Human Elections)

9. The Quorum Threshold

Honeybees use a quorum system to finalize their decision.
When a critical number of scouts—typically around 15 or more—gather at a single site, it signals overwhelming support.
This quorum is the tipping point that triggers the swarm to prepare for the big move.
It’s a built-in safeguard, ensuring that the chosen home has solid backing before the entire colony commits. Read more at National Library of Medicine.